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Brenda Lewis's Page

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"Wow Darko, you just made my day, my good friend. Seriously, what you just wrote on my wall is all of the good things that I can hope for listeners to experience when they hear me sing *live*. You really "get" what music is about. In this…"

"It's good to have a good friend like you on here as well. There are a lot of pretenders who call themselves singers. You're a real singer with no gimmick, just a really good voice. Far lesser singers get a fair bit of air play on 91.1fm.…"

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WHAT THEY WRITE ABOUT BRENDA'S SINGING:

"Her rich full-bodied voice is an elastic instrument, especially in songs that speak to the heart. Whether choosing a jazz standard or a song by a contemporary songwriter, Lewis has impeccable taste." (ROBERT REID, ARTS, KITCHENER-WATERLOO RECORD)

"She softly intoned a realm of yesterday's duets with greats that are now on The Big Gig in The Sky and I was inspired." (GRANGE "LADY HAIG" RUTAN", AUTHOR: "DEATH OF A BEBOP WIFE")
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A warm welcome to you! Here's a bit of BIO:

For 18 years , BRENDA LEWIS has been singing professionally - 12 of those as a jazz vocalist, performing with some of Toronto's and Canada's finest jazz musicians, including long-time music partners: guitarist MARGARET STOWE www.margaretstowe.com , guitarist and Juno Award-winning producer TONY QUARRINGTON www.tonyquarrington.com and JOHN ZADRO (pianist).

Originally from the Ottawa area, Brenda is what's known as a "natural". Previous to jazz, her background was in the folk/Americana/country blues genres - in acclaimed SW Ontario eclectic duo: "LEWIS & MOLESWORTH", along with R&B/funk/gospel/blues. She is also an adept harmony/backing vocalist and began her career singing in A CAPELLA trios (similar to "Sweet Honey in the Rock"). She still enjoys success performing in these genres - and their influences add diversity to a predominantly jazz standards repertoire.

Soulful, bluesy Etta, Ray Charles or Patsy Cline renditions spice up the setlists in any of her shows, alongside swinging classics, caliente grooves, and, lesser known torch gems - all sung in the spare yet emotive traditions of Ella, Julie London, Marlene Dietrich and Jobim. This versatile mix captivates both the jazz audience and her long-time folk/ R&B fans.

BRENDA'S CDs have received radio airplay on the CBC, the BBC and JAZZ-FM 91.1 TORONTO. In live shows, she performs from duo, trio to full band or orchestra - in concert, for "atmosphere", or, dance band. She has been featured in numerous concert series, jazz festivals, dinner and nightclubs, and corporate/private events across Ontario. Brenda is truly grateful to have maintained the support of a loyal, enduring following at her live concerts, over the years. FACEBOOK Fan Page: www.fbook.me/brendalewisjazzvocalist

Prior to her first jazz CD, Brenda recorded three folk/roots CDs (with Lewis & Molesworth, and, with NONIE CRETE). As well, she has guested on many other artists' CDs as a harmony/backing vocalist, and been a feature artist on 2 compilation tribute albums (Including the "One Voice" tribute to Norm Hacking, in duo with Tony Quarrington).
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BRENDA'S FAVOURITE QUOTE FROM A MUSICIAN
comes from ELLA FITZGERALD: "I steal from the horns!". She hopes that you'll think that she at least borrowed from them :-)

Comment Wall (30 comments)

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It's good to have a good friend like you on here as well. There are a lot of pretenders who call themselves singers. You're a real singer with no gimmick, just a really good voice. Far lesser singers get a fair bit of air play on 91.1fm. But, that for discussion over some really thick and syrupy coffee.

Brenda - Thanks for the connection. Would you tell me what is your favorite song for a female vocalist in the Big Band genre? Would you like to sing in our show with some of these bands behind you? - Stephen http://www.BigBandsAlive.com

Hi Brenda, many thanks for kind comment on my vibes playing, its a great tune that really does'nt need much help from me. Be sure to contact Linley before you come, he will always give you airtime. All the best T T

Hello Brenda,
Great to hear and meet you in TJN. Your lovely voice and expressive phrasing are delightful. Hope to hear you sing in Toronto soon. Thanks for your kind compliments and yes, Denis on Hammond B is amazing!
All the best,
Kathleen ( pianist/vocalist )

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